Readers' have recognised two Homerton pubs as their favourite boozers in the Gazette's 2021 Hospitality Heroes awards.

Well Street's The Gun pub and The Chesham Arms in Mehetabel Road received the same number of votes putting them in joint first place, followed by fellow shortlisted pub The Crown near Victoria Park.

The winning pubs are an eight minute walk away from each other and were both saved by their communities; The Chesham Arms through a local battle to get the pub listed as a community asset and The Gun via a crowd funder.

Hackney Gazette: Campaigners outside the Chesham Arms after they learned the pub would not be turned into flats.Campaigners outside the Chesham Arms after they learned the pub would not be turned into flats. (Image: Archant)

Hanna Sinclair-Stephens, who owns The Gun pub with her husband Nick Stephens, said: "Thank you so much for this lovely surprise.

"The Gun is only as good as it's customers and we feel so lucky with ours. A big thank you to our hard working, amazing staff. To be honest, after such uncertain times it's a brilliant feeling to still be here pouring pints."

Hackney Gazette: The Gun pub landlord Nick Stephens.The Gun pub landlord Nick Stephens. (Image: Pol Allingham)

National Hospitality Day has been organised by four charities after a challenging 18 months for the industry, during which thousands of jobs have been lost, businesses have closed and owners forced to shut their doors for weeks at a time.

Now, the borough's eateries and drinking spots are back open and we're encouraging everyone to support them by booking a table on September 18.